PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS – The internal crisis rocking the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) reached a fever pitch today as the party’s screening committee disqualified 65 aspirants—mostly loyalists of Governor Siminalayi Fubara—from the upcoming House of Assembly primaries.
In a report released following the two-day exercise held on May 9 and 10, the committee cleared only 33 aspirants to move forward. Notably, the list of successful candidates is dominated by incumbent lawmakers and political associates of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
A Sweeping Purge
The Muraina Ajibola-led screening committee cited a litany of technical and constitutional infractions for the mass disqualifications. According to the report, 65 aspirants failed to meet the requirements of Article 9.3 of the APC Constitution, which mandates that only fully registered and financially active members are eligible to contest.
The Muraina Ajibola-led screening committee cited a litany of technical and constitutional infractions for the mass disqualifications. According to the report, 65 aspirants failed to meet the requirements of Article 9.3 of the APC Constitution, which mandates that only fully registered and financially active members are eligible to contest.
Prominent figures excluded from the race include factional Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo, as well as Sokari Goodboy and Chijioke Ihunwo, all key allies in Governor Fubara’s struggle for control of the state’s political machinery.
On the other hand, the 33 cleared aspirants include high-ranking lawmakers such as Deputy Speaker Maol Dumle, House Leader Major Jack, and Enemi Alabo George—all of whom have remained steadfast in their support of Nyesom Wike.
Bribery Allegations and Documentation Failures
Beyond political affiliations, the committee highlighted serious procedural lapses. Several aspirants were disqualified for submitting unsworn affidavits, providing conflicting personal records, or failing to present valid party membership documentation.
Beyond political affiliations, the committee highlighted serious procedural lapses. Several aspirants were disqualified for submitting unsworn affidavits, providing conflicting personal records, or failing to present valid party membership documentation.
The exercise was also hit by scandal when the committee accused aspirant Tonye Garrick Tom-George of attempting to influence officials with a cash-filled envelope. Tom-George was immediately disqualified and reported to the police, though he has since vehemently denied the allegations, claiming they were a setup to stall his candidacy.
Impact on the Rivers Crisis
Political analysts suggest this move effectively hands the APC’s legislative structure in Rivers State to the Wike camp, further isolating Governor Fubara within the party he recently sought to influence.
Political analysts suggest this move effectively hands the APC’s legislative structure in Rivers State to the Wike camp, further isolating Governor Fubara within the party he recently sought to influence.
The committee maintained that its decisions were based strictly on “democratic ideals and progressive principles,” but the lopsided results are expected to trigger a fresh wave of litigation and internal protests.
What’s Next?
The APC has announced that an Appeal Committee will sit on Tuesday, May 12, at the state secretariat in Port Harcourt to hear grievances from the 65 disqualified aspirants.
The APC has announced that an Appeal Committee will sit on Tuesday, May 12, at the state secretariat in Port Harcourt to hear grievances from the 65 disqualified aspirants.
